Systems and methods for thermoelectrically cooling inductive charging stations

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, a cooling system for an induction charger includes a thermal conditioning module in fluid communication with an induction charging assembly, which includes a dock and an induction charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the induction charging module. The thermal conditioning module can include a fan or other fluid encouraging assembly, ducting, and a thermoelectric device (e.g., a Peltier device). A fluid, such as air, can flow from the fan and across and/or through the thermoelectric device, thereby conditioning the fluid. The conditioned fluid can be provided to the dock to at least partially offset the heat generated by the inductive charging and/or the portable electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/668,897, filed Jul. 6, 2012, theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This application relates to a cooling device and, in some embodiments,to a thermoelectrically cooled inductive charging station, such as forcharging a cell phone, and components thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Portable electronic devices (PEDs), such as cell phones, music players,sound recorders, computers (e.g., tablets), radios, watches, andotherwise, generally require power for operation. As such, many PEDsinclude a rechargeable battery or other rechargeable power source,thereby allowing for the device to be powered and readily transportedwithout being limited by the length of electrical power cords or thelike. In some instances, the charging of PEDs is accomplished with aphysical electrical connection, such as a plug or other electricalconnection that is connected with the device during charging and thendisconnected when charging is complete. However, such connections areinconvenient due to the requirement of connecting and disconnecting thephysical electrical connection.

Some PEDs avoid the need for such a physical electrical connection bybeing configured to accept inductive charging. Inductive charging useselectromagnetic fields to transfer power from a base (e.g., a dock) to areceiver (e.g., the power source in the PED) that is in close proximityto the base. As power is transferred via the electromagnetic fields, aphysical electrical connection between the base and the receiver is notrequired, thus eliminating the inconvenience associated with connectingand disconnecting the physical electrical connection.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Recently, it has been proposed to provide certain vehicles (e.g., cars,trucks, tractors, airplanes, boats, and otherwise) with an inductivecharging station for PEDs. Such a design can allow users to place theirPED in a dock (e.g., a pad, recess, slot, or otherwise) that hasinductive charging functionality, thereby providing inductive chargingof the PED without the inconvenience of a connecting and disconnecting aphysical electrical connection.

One of the byproducts of inductive charging is heat, which can beunwanted in certain situations. For example, heat generated by inductivecharging may place an additional load on the heating, ventilating, andair-conditioning system of the vehicle, which can result in decreasedperformance and/or reduced fuel economy. Further, heat produced byinductive charging may raise the temperature of the PED, which candegrade the performance of the PED and/or make the PED uncomfortable touse. For example, raising the temperature of a cell phone may make thephone uncomfortable to hold and/or to press against the user's ear.

Accordingly, for various reasons, it can be beneficial to cool theinductive charging station. In some embodiments, the inductive chargingstation is cooled by a thermoelectric device (TED), which has a hot side(also known as the waste side) and a cold side. A waste side heatexchanger can be thermally coupled to the hot side of the TED. Certainembodiments include a pump or fan to promote convective heat transferfrom the cool side to the inductive charging station or the PED. In someimplementations, the pump or fan also promotes convective heat transferthrough the waste side heat exchanger. In some embodiments, air exitsthe waste side of the TED into a space in which the TED resides. Inother embodiments, air exits the waste side of the TED and is ductedelsewhere, such as outside the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a coolingsystem for an induction charger with a thermal conditioning moduleconnected with a dock.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of the dock of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dock of FIG. 1A takenalong the line 1B-1B.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a coolingsystem for an induction charger with a thermal conditioning moduleconnected with a dock.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of the dock of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dock of FIG. 2A takenalong the line 2B-2B.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of acooling system for an induction charger comprising a thermalconditioning module connected with an induction charging module, whichis connected with a dock.

FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom perspective view of the system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded bottom perspective view of the coolingsystem of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a cooling system for an inductivecharger according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, in some embodiments, a cooling systemfor an induction charger 10 includes a thermal conditioning module 12 influid communication with an induction charging assembly 21, whichincludes a dock 14 (e.g., a pad, recess, slot, opening, and/or the like)and an induction charging module 16. As shown, the induction chargingmodule 16 can be mounted on, near, or adjacent the dock 14 so as toprovide inductive charging functionality to PEDs, such as PED 19 (e.g.,smartphones, other mobile phones, music playing devices, tablets,personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc.) that are configured to acceptinductive charging and are placed in and/or on the dock 14.

In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning module 12 includes onemore of the following: a fluid transfer device (such as, e.g., a pump,blower, or fan 17), ducting 18 (e.g., a fluid line, coupling, piping,etc.) thermal conditioning devices 20 (e.g., thermoelectric devices(TEDs), conductive heat transfer devices, other cooling or ventilationdevices, etc.), sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors,condensation sensors, etc.), timers and/or the like. Any of varioustypes of fluid transfer devices 17 (e.g., fans) can be used in suchmodules or devices, such as radial fans (e.g., squirrel cage fans),axial fans, propeller fans, and/or the like. In certain embodiments, thefluid transfer device 17 is configured to draw air from near a floor orlower portion of the vehicle, which can be beneficial because such airmay be cooler than air originating from other locations of the vehicle(e.g., due to a reduction in sun loading or otherwise). As illustrated,the ducting 18 can be in fluid communication with the fan 17 or otherfluid transfer device. In addition, depending on the configuration ofthe module, such components can also be in fluid communication with athermal conditioning device 20 (e.g., TED), the dock 14, one or moresensors, and/or any other components or devices, as desired or required.In some variants, the ducting 18 is in fluid communication with the dock14 via an opening 28 in the dock 14. Certain implementations include thefan 17 and TED 20 in a single housing. However, in alternativeembodiments, one or more components can be included in separate (e.g.,adjacent or non-adjacent) housing or casings.

As noted above, the thermal conditioning device 20 can comprise a TED,for example, a Peltier device, which can include at least one pair ofdissimilar materials connected electrically in series and thermally inparallel. In some embodiments, the dissimilar materials are mountedbetween a pair of plates positioned on the cold and hot sides of thedevice. The plates can provide for heat conduction and electricalinsulation. A thermal interface material (e.g., grease, pad, or solder)can be used to conductively couple the cold or hot side plate to aconduction member, such as fins or the like. Fluid, such as air, can bepassed over the conduction member to transfer heat by convection. Inother embodiments, one or more intermediate elements (e.g., conductionelements) can be provided between the plates and the conduction elementand/or the dock 14, thereby transferring heat between the TED 20 and thedock 14 by conduction.

In some embodiments, the dissimilar materials comprise a series ofn-type and p-type semiconductor elements that are connected electricallyin series and thermally in parallel. An electrical circuit is configuredto pass current through the dissimilar materials so as to selectivelycreate a cooled (and an oppositely oriented heated) side. Depending onthe direction of electrical current passing through the thermoelectricdevice, one side of the device will be heated and the opposing side willbe cooled.

In some embodiments, a controller (not shown) controls the operation ofthe thermal conditioning module 12. For example, the controller canallow the user to regulate when the thermal conditioning module 12 isactivated and deactivated. In some embodiments, the controller receivesan input from a sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, acondensation sensor, etc.), which can be used in a control algorithmthat helps regulate the operation (e.g., on or off, duty cycle, etc.) ofthe thermal conditioning device 20 (e.g., TED). Such an algorithm can beconfigured to provide for a desired cooling effect for the module, forfault protection, safety reasons, and/or the like. In certain variants,the controller is configured to communicate with, or receive signalsfrom, other systems of the vehicle. For example, the controller can bein data communication with a signal that is indicative of whether thevehicle is in operation (e.g., the ignition has been activated), anoccupant is positioned in the vehicle, and/or the like. Thus, in somesuch embodiments, the controller can be configured to allow the thermalconditioning module 12 to operate only if certain conditions are met(e.g., the vehicle is operating, an occupant is positioned in anadjacent seat, temperature/humidity levels are within a specific range,etc.). Electrical power from the vehicle's electrical system can beprovided to the controller, fluid transfer device 17 (e.g., fan orblower), TED or other thermal conditioning device 20, sensors and/or anyother components via electrical wires and/or some other direct orindirect electrical connection (not shown).

In some embodiments, the dock 14 is sized, shaped and otherwiseconfigured to accept a PED. For example, the dock 14 can be configuredto contain, hold, and/or embrace the PED. Such a configuration canprovide a place to store the PED, which can be helpful in restricting,partially or completely, inadvertent movement of the PED duringoperation of the vehicle (e.g., while driving). In certain embodiments,the dock 14 is configured such that a cell phone or other PED can beslidingly inserted into and removed from the dock 14. Someimplementations have the dock 14 positioned in a dashboard or centerconsole of an automobile, although various other locations arecontemplated as well (e.g., in or near a door, a glove box or otherstorage container, an armrest, a rear seat console and/or the like).

Some embodiments of the dock 14 comprise a cavity 22, which can besized, shaped and otherwise configured to receive a PED. For example,the cavity 22 can include an aperture 23 through which a cell phone orother PED can be inserted. In some embodiments, the aperture 23 has awidth W and a length L that are sized and otherwise configured such thata cell phone or other PED can be inserted through the aperture 23 and atleast partially into the cavity 22. Some variants of the aperture 23have a length L of at least about: 2.0 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.75 inches,3.0 inches, 3.25 inches, values in between, or otherwise. Someembodiments of the aperture 23 have a width W of at least about: 0.25inches, 0.38 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.62 inches, values in between, orotherwise. In other embodiments, however, the aperture can be sized andconfigured to accommodate a PED having a length and/or width greaterthan indicated above. For example, the aperture can be configured toreceive a tablet or other relatively large PED therein. In certainimplementations, the cavity 22 is in fluid communication with theambient environment surrounding the dock 14. In some embodiments, thecavity 22 can be configured to receive at least about 75% (e.g., about70%, 72%, 74%, 76%, 78%, 80%, ranges between the foregoing percentages)of the volume of a cell phone or other PED. In other embodiments,however, the cavity 22 can be configured to receive greater than about80% of the PED (e.g., about 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, values between theforegoing percentages, etc.) or less than about 70% of the PED (e.g.,about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, values between the foregoingpercentages, less than about 40%, etc.), as desired or required. In someembodiments, the cavity 22 has a volume of at least about 4 cubicinches.

Some embodiments of the cavity 22 are configured to receive all or asubstantial portion of the longitudinal length of a cell phone or otherPED. Such a configuration can, for example, facilitate securing and/orconcealing (e.g., partially or completely) the cell phone or other PED.Certain embodiments of the cavity 22 have a depth D (also called aheight) of at least about: 3.0 inches, 3.5 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.5inches, 5.0 inches, values in between, or otherwise. In someembodiments, the cavity 22 is configured to receive only a portion ofthe longitudinal length of a PED, thereby providing a region, portion,or section (e.g., the portion of the PED that is not received in thecavity 22) to grasp to facilitate moving or otherwise handling (e.g.,removing) the PED relative to the cavity 22. In other embodiments, thecavity 22 is configured to receive the entire or substantially theentire longitudinal length of the PED.

In some embodiments, the dock 14 comprises one or more stabilizingmembers, such as, for example, ribs or other protruding members 24. Insome variants, the ribs 24 protrude at least partially into the cavity22 and are configured to contact a PED that is inserted into the cavity22, thereby reducing or restricting vibration and/or other movement ofthe PED relative to the dock 14. In some embodiments, the ribs 24comprise one or more resilient materials, such rubber, plastic and/orthe like. The ribs or other protruding members 24 can comprise one ormore other materials and/or components, either in addition to or in lieuof plastic and/or rubber, as desired or required. For example, the ribscan include one or more springs or other resilient members or materials.Certain variants of the ribs have a length (parallel to L) of less thanor equal to about 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the ribs 24 extend alonggenerally the entire depth of the dock 14. In some embodiments, the ribs24 are configured to promote fluid flow when a PED is installed in thecavity 22, as will be discussed in further detail below. As shown,certain variants of the dock 14 include sculpted or other specialfeatures, such as shoulders 26, which also can be configured tofacilitate stabilization and/or securement (e.g., grasping) of a PEDthat is inserted into the cavity 22. Some variants of the shoulders 26include curves or angles so as to direct a PED into general alignmentwith the dock 14 during installation of the PED into the dock 14.

During operation of the cooling system for an induction charger 10, andas indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1, fluid (e.g., air) enters the fluidtransfer device 17 (e.g., fan, blower, etc.) via an upper or loweraperture, and is encouraged into the ducting 18. The air passes overand/or through the thermal conditioning device 20 (e.g., TED), causingheat transfer between the thermal conditioning device 20 and the air orother fluid passing through or near it, thereby decreasing thetemperature of the air or fluid. In some embodiments, the cooled air isdirected, at least partially, into the dock 14. In certainimplementations, the cooled air travels at least partially along atleast some of depth of the dock 14, and along some, substantially all,or all of the height of the PED positioned within the dock. Accordingly,heat from the inductive charging assembly and/or PED can beadvantageously transferred via convection to the cooled air (e.g., tocool the air), thereby transferring heat away from the PED and at leastpartially offsetting the heat generated by the inductive chargingassembly and/or PED. The air can emerge from the dock 14 into theambient environment of the vehicle. In some embodiments, such dischargedair can be routed to one or more portions of the vehicle (e.g., theexterior of the vehicle, below or away from the console or seatassembly, etc.), as desired or required.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the dock 14 comprises one or moreribs or other protruding members 24, which can be configured to promotefluid flow even when a PED is positioned at least partially in the dock14. In some embodiments, the ribs 24 are positioned and otherwiseconfigured to at least partially define and maintain one or morechannels 30. Thus, when a PED is positioned in the dock 14, asubstantial volume of the cavity 22 may be occupied by the PED, thusrestricting fluid flow. However, the ribs 24 and the correspondingchannels 30 that they help define can be configured to maintain a spacebetween the PED and a wall of the dock 14, and thus maintain a paththrough which air or other fluid may pass. In some embodiments, a bottomend 32 of the dock 14 (e.g., the portion which is adjacent or near alower portion a PED that is positioned within the dock 14) comprises oneor more ribs, dimples, grooves, protruding member and/or other featuresconfigured to promote airflow between the bottom of the PED and thebottom end 32 of the dock 14. One or more spaces between the PED andcertain adjacent portions of the dock can advantageously promote thecooling effect on the PED when the system is in use.

In certain embodiments, such as is shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, airfrom the fluid transfer device is configured to enter at or near thebottom end 32 of the dock 14. In such embodiments, the opening 28 in thedock 14 can be positioned at or near the bottom end 32. As illustratedin FIG. 1B, the dock 14 can include a support member 34 that extendsfrom one generally vertical wall of the dock 14 toward an oppositegenerally vertical wall. In some implementations, the support member isconfigured to receive the bottom of a PED that is received in the dock14. As shown, the support member 34 can be disposed a particulardistance apart from the bottom end 32, thus the support member 34 canspace the PED away from the bottom end 32 to facilitate airflowunderneath the PED. In certain embodiments, the support member directsair toward one or more of the channels 30. As discussed herein, in atleast some configurations, such spaces, channels, and other features canfurther facilitate in promoting efficient and effective cooling of aPED.

FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B illustrate another embodiment of a cooling systemfor an induction charger 10 a. Several features and components of thecooling system for an induction charger 10 a illustrated therein areidentical or similar in form and function to those described above withrespect to the cooling system for an induction charger 10, and have beenprovided with like numerals, with the addition of “a.” Any featuresand/or components of the disclosed embodiments can be combined or usedinterchangeably.

In some embodiments, air or other fluid enters the dock 14 a at alocation between the top and bottom end 32 a of the dock 14 a. Forexample, the opening 28 a can be located about half-way along the depthD of the dock 14 a. Such a configuration can, for example, reduce thelikelihood of spilled liquids or debris migrating into the fan 17 a,ducting 18 a, thermal conditioning device 20 a (e.g., TED), otherelectrical and/or other. Sensitive components. For example, as theopening 28 a is disposed a distance above the bottom end 32 a, spilledliquid (such as water, coffee, soft drinks, etc.) or debris (such ascrumbs, other food items, dust, dirt, lint, etc.) can be contained inthe bottom end 32 a, thereby facilitating clean-up and inhibiting suchspills from entering the fan 17 a, ducting 18 a, and/or thermalconditioning device 20 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the dock 14 a can include one or more vanes36 a, which can be positioned near or adjacent the opening 28 a. Incertain embodiments, the vane 36 a extends partly from one wall of thedock 14 a and is configured to provide a desired space between the vane36 a and the opposite wall such that a PED can be inserted therebetween.In some variants, the vane 36 a is configured to at least partiallydirect fluid flow, as desired or required. For example, the vane 36 acan direct some or all of the fluid (e.g., air) passing through theopening 28 a toward the bottom end 32 a. As shown, the ribs or otherprotruding members 24 a can extend along the bottom end 32 a, therebyproviding an elevated support surface on which the PED can rest whileallowing the fluid to flow under the PED and through the channels 30 a.

FIGS. 3, 3A, and 3B illustrate another embodiment of a cooling systemfor an induction charger 10 b. Several features and components of thecooling system for an induction charger 10 b are identical or similar inform and function to those described above with respect to the coolingsystems for an induction charger 10, 10 a and have been provided withlike numerals, with the addition of “b.” Any features and/or componentsof the disclosed embodiments can be combined or used interchangeably.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3, 3A, and 3B, in certain embodiments,air or other fluid is directed through a portion of the inductioncharging module 16 b. As illustrated, the induction charging module 16 bcan be disposed between the dock 14 b and the fan 17 b and/or thethermal conditioning device 20 b (e.g., TED). Such a configuration can,for example, reduce the space occupied by the system 10 b. Further, incertain embodiments, such a configuration can enhance the heatdissipation from the induction charging module 16 b. For example, insome embodiments, holes or other openings (not shown) in the ducting 18b direct fluid toward and/or along fins 38 b of the induction chargingmodule 16 b.

In some embodiments, a duct, coupling or other fluid passage 18 bfluidly connects the fluid transfer device 17 b (e.g., fan) and with aninterior portion 40 b of the induction charging module 16 b. Forexample, the interior portion 40 b can be configured to receive or matewith the ducting 18 b. In certain variants, the interior portion 40 b isdivided from another portion of the induction charging module 16 b byone or more baffles, dividing members and/or other barriers 42 b, whichcan prevent, inhibit or reduce the likelihood of the migration of dirt,dust, other particles, or other undesirable substances from reaching theelectronic components of the induction charging module 16 b. In someembodiments, such a barrier 42 b is configured to direct the flow offluid, for example, toward a front wall of the induction charging module16 b. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the interior portion 40 b can bepositioned in a bottom portion of the induction charging module 16 b,but the interior portion can be located in any location, such as, forexample, on a side or the top of the induction charging module 16 band/or the like, as desired or required.

The front wall of the induction charging module 16 b can include anaperture or other opening 44 b that is configured to at least partiallyalign or otherwise coincide with the opening 28 b of the dock 14 b whenthe induction charging module 16 b and the dock 14 b are mountedtogether. Such a configuration can allow fluid in the interior portion40 b to flow into the dock 14 b. Accordingly, during operation of thesystem 10, and as is shown by the arrows in FIG. 3A, air or other fluidcan flow from the fan or other fluid transfer device 17 b along and/orthrough the TED or other thermal conditioning device 20 b, therebythermally conditioning (e.g., cooling and/or dehumidifying) the air in adesired manner. The conditioned air can flow through the ducting 18 binto the interior portion 40 b, through the aperture 44 b and theopening 28 b, and ultimately into the dock 14 b. As previouslydiscussed, conditioned air can be warmed by, and this its cooling effectat least partially offset, heat generated from the induction chargingmodule 16 b and/or the PED. In some embodiments, air exits the dock 14 band enters the vehicle's ambient environment, for example, by flowingthrough the channels 30 b and between the ribs 24 b.

Various embodiments of the cooling systems for an induction charger 10,10 a, 10 b are configured to operate with an ambient air temperature ofless than or equal to about 85° C. In some implementations, the coolingsystems for an induction charger 10, 10 a, 10 b are configured toprovide at least about: 4 watts, 5, watts, 6 watts, 7 watts, 8 watts, 9watts, values in between the foregoing, and/or the like of heatdissipation. In other embodiments, the cooling system is configured toprovide less than 4 watts or greater than about 9 watts of heatdissipation. In some embodiments, the cooling systems for an inductioncharger 10, 10 a, 10 b are configured to dissipate at least about 4watts generated by the induction charging module 16, 16 a, 16 b and atleast about 3 watts generated by the PED. In certain embodiments, thecooling systems for an induction charger 10, 10 a, 10 b are configuredto offset at least about: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, 100%,values in between, or otherwise, of the heat generated by the inductioncharging assembly during induction charging of the portable electronicdevice. In certain variants, the cooling systems for an inductioncharger 10, 10 a, 10 b are configured to offset all or substantially allof the heat generated by the induction charging assembly duringinduction charging of the portable electronic device. In someimplementations, the cooling systems for an induction charger 10, 10 a,10 b are configured to offset more than the heat generated by theinduction charging assembly during induction charging of the portableelectronic device.

For purposes of summarizing the inventions disclosed herein and theadvantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantagesof the inventions are described herein. Of course, it is to beunderstood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages need tobe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventions maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes oneadvantage or group of advantages as taught or suggested herein withoutnecessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught orsuggested herein.

As will be apparent, the features and attributes of the specificembodiments disclosed herein may be combined in different ways to formadditional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orstates. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

Many variations and modifications may be made to the herein-describedembodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being amongother acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cooling system for an induction charger, thesystem comprising: a thermal conditioning module in fluid communicationwith an induction charging assembly comprising an induction chargingmodule, the thermal conditioning module comprising: a fan assembly; athermoelectric device; and ducting fluidly connecting the fan assembly,the thermoelectric device, and a dock of the induction chargingassembly, wherein the dock has a partially-enclosed portion and anaperture at a first end of the dock defining a cavity, the cavityconfigured to receive and to provide inductive charging functionality toa portable electronic device; wherein the induction charging module isconnected to a first side of the dock and the ducting delivers air to anopening in a second side of the dock opposite the first side, theopening located between the first end of the dock and a second end ofthe dock opposite the first end such that air flows down at least partof an interior surface of the second side of the dock; and wherein thefan is configured to encourage air across a portion of thethermoelectric device, thereby cooling the air, and the cooled air issubsequently provided to the induction charging assembly, therebyoffsetting at least a portion of the heat generated by the inductioncharging assembly during induction charging of the portable electronicdevice.
 2. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the system is disposedin an automobile.
 3. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the portableelectronic device comprises a cell phone.
 4. The cooling system of claim1, wherein the ducting connects with a bottom of the dock, therebyproviding air to the bottom of the dock and the air flowing toward thetop of the dock along at least a portion of the portable electronicdevice.
 5. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the ducting connectswith a middle portion the dock, and the air is directed toward thebottom of the dock before flowing toward the top of the dock along atleast a portion of the portable electronic device.
 6. The cooling systemof claim 1, wherein the ducting connects with an induction changingmodule, and the induction changing module connects with the dock.
 7. Thecooling system of claim 1, wherein the fan and the thermoelectric deviceare located in a single housing.
 8. The cooling system of claim 1,wherein the system is configured to at least partially offset the heatgenerated by the induction charging assembly during induction chargingof the portable electronic device.
 9. The cooling system of claim 1,wherein the system is configured to provide at least about 6 watts ofthe heat dissipation.
 10. A method of cooling an inductive chargingassembly in a vehicle, the method comprising: drawing air into a fan;providing the air to a thermoelectric device; reducing the temperatureof the air with the thermoelectric device; providing the air to a dockcomprising a partially-enclosed portion and an aperture at a first endof the dock defining a configured to receive a portable electric device,the dock being positioned adjacent to an inductive charging moduleconnected to a first side of the dock that is configured to provideinductive charging capability to the portable electric device receivedin the dock; passing the air along a channel of the dock and at leastalong a portion of the portable electric device, the channel beingpartially defined by ribs extending into the cavity; increasing thetemperature of the air with heat generated by the inductive charging ofthe portable electric device; and expelling the air into the ambientinterior of the vehicle.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprisingsecuring the portable electric device within the cavity with the ribs.12. The method of claim 10, wherein the air is provided to the bottom ofthe dock.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the air is provided to amiddle portion of the dock.
 14. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising providing the air to the inductive charging module prior toproviding the air to the dock.